A NEW community library has opened following the closure of a much-loved facility in South Ham.

On Friday, September 30 Basingstoke's mayor Cllr Paul Miller opened the South Ham Community Library along with various members of the community and other groups that now use the centre.

The closure of the library was a great loss to the South Ham community. Residents campaigned to keep the library open but unfortunately, South Ham library was one of the libraries that was closed by Hampshire County Council (HCC). 

Ten libraries across Hampshire, including three in the Basingstoke area, were put at risk by HCC in January 2020 as part of plans to save £1.76m from the service.

READ MORE: Chineham library set to stay open as Hampshire County Council recommends South Ham, Odiham to close

These included Chineham, South Ham and Odiham, whilst community-managed Kingsclere library was told that the council were considering ceasing its funding.

In October 2020 Westside Community Association were delighted to be able to take over the lease of the old South Ham Library and over the last year have worked hard with the ongoing support of volunteers to develop the space into a community library. 

The community library is currently open on Tuesdays and Thursday’s 10am to 2pm, but it is hoped opening times will be extended in the future. As well as a community library the space is also used by community groups including seated pilates, exercise classes, Merakai dance school, craft clubs, Art classes, jigsaw club, soup kitchen, baby and toddler groups, and indoor bowls.

This space is also home to a community food pantry, which is open to all. Community pantries offer access by memberships, where for a small weekly £5 contribution, members receive food of a significantly higher value.

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With the colder months setting in, there will also be a warm hub open Tuesdays and Thursdays where members of the community can be assured of finding a safe, warm and friendly environment in which to enjoy refreshments, including hot soup, social activity, information and advice and the company of other people.

The community library is a lovely space which strives to be the hub of the community.